The obverse of the medal features an abstract representation of two towers. The abstract lines flowing downward symbolize loss, while the lines moving upward represent rising above, hope and deliverance from that loss. This configuration also suggests the World Trade Center’s twin towers. The numbers “93,” “77,” “175” and “11” represent the four planes involved in the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and are positioned as if on a clock, representing the times of the crashes. The words “ALWAYS REMEMBER” are set upon a stone wall similar to the wall that bears the names of the victims at the memorial. It carries the additional inscription “ACT OF CONGRESS 2011.”
Obverse lettering
93
77
175
11
ALWAYS REMEMBER
ACT OF CONGRESS 2011
Obverse script
Latin
Reverse description
The reverse features a single rose at the top edge, an echo of the memorial in New York where a white rose is placed through the name of each victim on his or her birthday.
Reverse lettering
WE
HONOR THE THOUSANDS OF INNOCENT PEOPLE FROM MORE THAN 90 COUNTRIES
LOST AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTER IN THE ATTACKS THAT SHOOK THE WORLD
ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. MAY THEIR MEMORY INSPIRE AN END TO
INTOLERANCE.
